Page 78 of Their Pretty Little Monster

I reach for a drumstick, its size and weight much larger than I’m used to. “What kind of meat is this?” I ask, slightly afraid.

Nyko’s laughing already before he’s said anything. “It’s a Pluckar. A large birdlike creature. I’ve hunted a few in my time. The bastards are fast, super aggressive, and territorial. Catching one is a challenge as they often turn on you in a flock.”

“Sounds like turkeys, what we had back on the farm. I’ve been chased by them in the past, and it’s terrifying.” I take a tentative bite, and the flavors explode in my mouth. I moan instantly, eyes widening. The spices and salt blend perfectly, and I can’t help but groan in delight. This can pass for turkey meat. “I love this.” I take another large bite.

Nyko watches me while grabbing his own drumstick and tearing into it. Juices run down his chin, and he catches them with a napkin. The sight makes my stomach growl even louder. I take another bite, then another, until I’m left with a bone that’s easily as long as my hand.

“It’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted.” And it’s not some weird creature that slides on its belly or drools or shoots poison from its saliva. Just normal meat. I pray I’m right.

As I set down the bone, I notice Nyko watching me with the same hunger I just showed the food. Embarrassed, I quickly grab my napkin, wiping my mouth.

“I love watching you eat so excitedly,” he coos.

“That comes from not eating for what feels like forever.” I reach for one of the buns. It’s a pale cream color, and when I tear it open, it reveals a bright yellow center with small pieces in the jam-like sauce. Nearby is a small bowl with blue cream… the butterfly larva, if I remember right. No hesitation, I dig right in.

“Noted,” Nyko murmurs, grinning at me as he leans back in his seat. “Make sure to always have food for you.”

“Where do you raise these animals, anyway? On the vessel?”

He’s shaking his head. “We have a regular Day of the Chase at various islands where we stop for supplies.” He nods, leaning in closer, pushing the plate of drumsticks closer to me.

“Last time we went, Killian was cornered by the Pluckars. The fuckers surrounded him, and he was there with his swords out, ready to battle, shooing them away.” He’s chortling at the story.

“And what did he do?”

“Well, while he killed some, he ended up climbing a tree until they left him alone.”

I giggle, trying to imagine Killian scared of anything, let alone cooped up in a tree from birdlike creatures.

As I keep eating, my thoughts drift to Killian and Wolfe and how they still haven’t been truly honest with me. I take a deep breath, studying Nyko, deciding it’s time to get some answers.

Putting the second half of my bun down on the platter, I ask, “So, Nyko, let’s talk about something serious.”

He nods. “Hit me.”

Taking a quick sip of the table water, I ask, “Do you know who my father is?” I hadn’t expected to shake this much from asking one question.

He pauses for a moment, his expression unreadable as he wipes his mouth before lowering the napkin.

“Your father is the false King in Blight,” he answers directly, no hesitation.

My mouth drops open for the second time today. “You better not be damn joking.”

Except, his expression is dead serious.

“That son of a bitch took over the Silvercrest Kingdom after the Great Desolation, and it’s why we’re now fucking stuck living on this vessel.” Frustration and anger ripple behind his voice.

The food in my gut churns. I can’t find my words, and I’m struggling to breathe. My father destroyed their lives and took over a kingdom!

“You deserve the truth,” he adds with a low voice. “I know Killian and Wolfe want to tell you but are worried about how you’ll react.”

“Why?” My shoulders shoot back at his comment. “I have no allegiance to my father. I’ve never even met him, so what difference would it make?”

“Because we’re planning on going in to remove him from power… by any force necessary.”

I’m fully aware of what he’s saying.

They’re going kill him.

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